Winners and losers from women's hoops finales: Hannah Hidalgo steals the show and chaos reigns on the bubble
CBS Sports
by
Isabel Gonzalez
March 2, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Sunday’s women's basketball regular season finale was packed with drama, delivering both thrilling moments and unexpected collapses. Hannah Hidalgo of Notre Dame emerged as a standout, making history with her late-game steal against No. 10 Louisville. Her pivotal play not only secured a crucial victory for Notre Dame but also set a new single-season record for steals in the ACC. Despite a struggling season, Hidalgo’s leadership and clutch performances have solidified her case for Defensive Player of the Year honors.
Meanwhile, Ole Miss faced a significant setback as they lost six of their last eight games, including a 66-58 defeat to Texas A&M. The Rebels’ offensive struggles, compounded by injuries, have dashed their hopes of hosting in March. Coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin remains optimistic but acknowledges the team’s challenges, emphasizing the need for regrouping ahead of the SEC Tournament.
In a surprising turn, North Carolina turned their free-throw shooting weakness into a strength, hitting 83.3% in the fourth quarter against Duke. This marked a key improvement for a team that had struggled with foul shots throughout the season. Their decisive win over No. 12 Duke not only boosted their postseason hopes but also showcased their potential under pressure.
These performances and outcomes highlight the unpredictable nature of college basketball, offering a glimpse into the chaos and excitement that March Madness often brings. For fans, these games underscore the importance of clutch performances, resilience, and adaptability in determining a team’s success. Whether it’s Hidalgo’s heroics or North Carolina’s late-game execution, Sunday’s action served
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Originally published on CBS Sports on 3/2/2026